University of Peradeniya News

Volume 03, No. 10 October - December 2008

A quarterly update of important events of the University of Peradeniya University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, 20400, .

Agriculture Science and Technology Exhibition 2008

Agriculture Science and Technology Exhibition organized by the Faculty of Agriculture to mark 60 years of higher education in Agriculture was held during 8th to 12th October 2008. This was themed “Defining a New Dimension” with a view to creating awareness among the general public and all other stakeholders on the scientific and technological developments in the field of agriculture and allied sciences.

Queues of public gathered at the exhibition site

is at the apex of the Agricultural Studies pyramid - all universities in the country have given promi- nence to Agricultural Studies. He said that it is through them that an intellectual community en- gaged in Agriculture Studies has been created and that they, in their own way, constituted a vital seg- ment of the professional and intellectual elite in the Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture country. The Hon. Minister, Hemakumara accompanying Mr. Maithreepala Sirisena, Hon. Minister of Nanayakkara who is an alumnus of the Postgradu- Agriculture to the exhibition site. ate Institute of Agriculture also spoke. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Minis- ter of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Ser- vices Honourable Maithreepala Sirisena and the Minister of Higher Education Honourable Profes- sor Vishwa Warnapala and Honourable Hemakumara Nanayakkara. Mr. Maithreepala Sirisena, Honourable Minister of Agricultural De- velopment and Agrarian Services admired the role of the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Peradeniya in producing human resources to the Agriculture sector. He further emphasized the chal- lenging tasks of developing appropriate technol- ogy to achieve self sufficiency in other field Crops. Professor Warnapala in his speech acknowledged An undergraduate student demonstrating farm machinery that based on the wide experience of the Faculty of to the crowd Agriculture at the University of Peradeniya - which contd. page 2 University of Peradeniya News : http://www.pdn.ac.lk/news/newsletter.html Statistics & Information Unit, Senate Building Tel. : 081-2392433 University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya e-mail : [email protected] Prof. Buddhi Marambe, Dean Faculty of Agriculture stated that It was in the year 1948 that the then University of Ceylon initiated the nation’s first Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. He further indicated that the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Peradeniya takes immense pride in commemorating the 60th anniversary of this milestone and, on that account organized this exhibition to announce the grand celebrations of its contributions to the nation. More than 60,000 people are reported to have visited the exhibition.

Achievements

NSF Awards for Research- 2007

The NSF Awards for 2007 in the field of Sciences were awarded to • Prof. M.A.K. Lakshman Dissanayake • Prof. M.A. Careem in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science for the project Development of novel electro-active polymers; (a) Solid Polymer Electrolytes, and (b) Conducting Polymers for possible applications in Solid State Ionic Devices. Ms. Dilhani Jayathika completed her M.Phil. under this project.

New Appointments • Prof. R. Sivakanesan, Head, Department of Dr. T.N.C. Athuarliya completed a 3 year term as Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine has been Director of the Medical Education Unit (MEU) in appointed as a member of the National Science December 2008. Dr. Kosala Marambe was appointed Foundation Research Committee on Health by the Vice-Chancellor as the new Director and Sciences as well as the National Science assumed duties in December 2008. Foundation Committee on Ethics of Science and Technology. Prof. Sivakanesan is the only member in the 2 committees from the University • A Cultural Show “Arangethram” by Krishna of Peradeniya. Priya Krishna Menon, a final year student in the Faculty of Arts, was held at the EOE • The Institute of Social Development in Kandy Pereira Theatre. (16 November 2008) has appointed Prof.R. Sivakanesan as a member of its Executive Committee.

Conferences/Workshops/Seminars

Progress Review Workshop

The process of preparing the 10 year Development Frame Work (2007-2016) and the 04 year Corporate Plan (2007-2010) has now been fully completed. In order to 9 Review the progress achieved 9 Introduce revisions and new activities 9 Finalize the Faculty/ Division/ Centre plans for the next two years a two day workshop was held at the Goldi Sands Hotel, Negambo on 19 and 20 December 2008.

It was attended by the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor all the Deans of Faculties, Administrative and Financial Officers, and Heads of Divisions/ Centres/ Units. Some of the Council members and invitees participated as reviewers/ Participants at the workshop held at Hotel observers. Goldi Sands Page 2 • Prof. H. Abeygunawardena, the Vice-Chancellor • A lecture titled “Why Nuclear Disarmament attended the ACU Conference of Executive matters for Sri Lanka” was delivered by Mr. Heads, held at Hyderabad, India (28 – 30 Nov) Jayantha Dhanapala at the PGIS Auditorium on 04 November 2008. The event was organized • Dr. T.S. Samarakone, and Dr. A.R.S.B. Athauda by the PUGWASH, Sri Lanka in association from the Department of Animal Science, Faculty with PGIS. of Agriculture participated at a workshop on “Developing National Guidelines for production • A workshop cum health camp was conducted of Animal of Animal participants in Research” for 70 butchers and meat producers at the organized by the Forum of Ethics Review Institute of Continuing Education, Gannoruwa Committee in Sri Lanka on 11th September 2008 , sponsored by the Home and Abroad Animal at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Welfare, UK and co-ordinated by Dr. L.N.A . de Silva of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, and the Veterinary • Dr. A.R.S.B. Athauda from the Department of Department of the Kandy Municipal Council. Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture The function was inaugurated by the Kandy participated at a Workshop on “Market trends Municipal Commissioner Mr. W.A.R. in Fisheries and aquaculture in Sri Lanka” on 23 Wimalasiri and chaired by the Kandy Municipal September 2008 at the Sri Lanka Council for Chief Veterinary Surgeon Dr. S.R. Jayasinghe. Agriculture Research Policy (CARP), Colombo Dr. A.R. Mohamed of the Department of 07. Veterinary Basic Sciences addressed the gathering on “Salient Features of Animal • Prof. R. Sivakanesan (Head, Department of Slaughter and Hygienic Meat Production”. A Biochemistry) attended a Workshop as a resource health camp for the participants was also participant on Developing National Guidelines conducted by Dr. Ranjith Jayasekera, Medical for the Protection of “Animal Participants” in Officer of the National Transport Medical Research held on 11 September 2008 at the Institute, Kandy. Faculty of Medicine, . • Prof. P. Abeynayake and Dr. J.M.K.J.K. • A Workshop on “Findings from the Survey of Premaratne participated in an Expert Workshop Students Hostels at UoP/ Applied Research on “Better Food Security through Improved Project” was held at Ramanathan Hall 10 Food Safety” which was organized to November 2008. commemorate Food Safety Week on 24 and 25 October 2008 at Hotel Galadari, Colombo. This • 02nd and 03rd Workshops on “Inventory Control workshop was hosted by the WHO. & Fixed Assets Management” organized by the Corporate Management Division in collaboration • A group of staff members of the Faculty of with the Staff Development Centre , was held Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science under at the Senate Room on 11 November and 05 the stewardship of Dr. I.S. Abeygunawardene December 2008. These workshops were attended participated in an awareness program for by non academic staff, Heads of academic students of Gamini Central College, Nuwara Departments and administrative Officers. Eliya on 31.10.2008 to select the relevant subjects for the Advanced Level.

Towards Understanding Psychology

This November, the University was the setting for a psychology, the challenges and opportunities for conference organized by Sri Lankan psychologists expanding the discipline of psychology in the that brought together psychologists, students, national system of higher education and the urgent University officials, members of the community demand for trained psychologists in settings such (including several Buddhist clergy), and a broad as mental health facilities, humanitarian agencies, range of social scientists for a day of discussion the military, and the corporate sector. centered on the theme Toward Understanding Psychology: A Multi-Perspective Exploration of The following day, psychologists who had attended Psychology in the Sri Lankan Context. The one-day the conference met at the Hilltop hotel to discuss meeting, opened by Prof. H. Abeyagunawardena, the needs of the discipline in the country and agreed the Vice Chancellor and attended by about 200 Sri to form a psychology association, the first in the Lankans and several international speakers and country. guests, explored different approaches and views of Page 3 Training Programmes

• Dr. Pradeepa Silva, Dr. C.M.B. educational research, ethics and Dematawewa, Dr. A.R.S.B. Athauda and Dr. professionalism and the Sri Lankan Janak K. Vidanarachchi of the Department university system. Participants rated the of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, overall program as either excellent or good. University of Peradeniya served as resource A certificate was awarded to all the Persons in the training program on participants who successfully completed the “Application of Biotechnology in Livestock Training Programme. & Fisheries” related to an FAO project on “Formulation of National Agricultural • A training program on “polymerase chain Biotechnology Research & Development reaction (PCR) technology” was conducted Program and Investment Plan” held on 22- by the CAADDR for the aquaculturists of 26th September, 2008 at the Faculty of the National Aquaculture Development Veterinary Medicine & Animal Science. Authority from 22nd -24th December 2008. Five aquaculturists from different • The fully reformed, UGC accredited, staff aquaculture development centers development program for teachers of participated in the above program. Faculties of Health Sciences was held for the 3rd successive year during August/October • A training course on “Application of 2008. Seventeen (17) academic staff members Biotechnologies in Livestock and Fisheries” from Medical faculties of Peradeniya, was organized by the Dept. of Farm Animal Colombo, Kelaniya, Rajarata and Eastern Production and Health in collaboration with Universities, Faculty of Dental Sciences, the Sri Lanka Medical Council for the Centre Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal for Agricultural Research Policy and was Science and Faculty of Allied Health Sciences funded by the United Nations Food and participated in the training program, which Agriculture Organization in Sri Lanka. gave an insight to teaching learning process, assessment and evaluation in higher education, effective communication,

Outreach Activities

Prevention of Rat Fever (Leptospirosis)

Abstract. Leptosprosis poses a severe threat to the lives of farmers in Sri Lanka, thus, development of an effective chemoprophylaxis is deemed essential. We tested oral penicillin as chemoprophylaxis against leptospirosis in high transmission areas in Central Sri Lanka in October 2005. Eight hundred active farmers were randomly assigned to take either oral penicillin (500mg bid) or a similar looking placebo over a month during active farming season. The primary study point was the incidence of serologically confirmed leptospirosis. Data were available for 602 subjects of whom 319 (152 taking penicillin and 167 taking placebo) had good compliance, shown by tablet count. Of 5 subjects hospitalized with fever, 3 had serological evidence of leptospirosis, all of whom belonged to the placebo group. Therefore, oral penicillin may be effective chemoprophylaxis against leptospirosis. (VLU Illangasakera, SAM Kularatne, MDN Premaratne ( Department of Medicine) PVR Kumarasiri2, (Department of Community Medicine) DMURK Pussepitiya (Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya)

Self-Access Language Centre

The Self-Access Language Centre established by the ELTU with the IBG (World Bank) grant was declared open by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Harischandra Abeygunawardena on 14th October 2008. This Centre, located in the basement of the Arts theatre, is equipped with 21 computers, multimedia and a TV with a DVD player. It also has many ELT books including IELTS books and software for the learning of English. This facility is available for all the students of the university. It will be open from 9am – 4pm on weekdays.

Page 4 Other Activities

• A felicitation ceremony was held at the Faculty • A Certificate Awarding Ceremony was held at of Arts in appreciation of the valuable service the Department of Education to award rendered by the Professors, Ranjith certificates to newly recruited graduate teachers Amarasinghe, ND Samarawickrema, P. who completed a three Month Training Randeniya and N Velmurugu and Michael Programme conducted by the Department of Fernando who retired from from the University Education, Faculty of Arts (22 November 2008) Service (20 November 2008)

Center for Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnosis and Research (CAADDR)

The Center for Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnosis and Research (CAADDR) established at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya was ceremonially opened by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Hon. Felix Perera on 03 October 2008 at the invitation of Prof. H. Abeygunawardena, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and the National Aquatic Resource Development Authority (NAQDA) of Sri Lanka in 2004 for the establishment of this facility with funds made available under the Aquatic Resource Development and Quality Improvement Project (ARDQIP) by the Asian Development Bank.

CAADDR in its future work program will function as a national center for the diagnosis of fresh water fish diseases, conduct research on agents responsible for fish diseases with a view to develop preventive and control measures and provide training to extension staff of the National Aquaculture Development Authority, farmers, veterinarians and for veterinary undergraduates with a view to develop the aquaculture industry in Sri Lanka.

General Convocation 2008

The General Convocation of the University of Peradeniya has been scheduled for 26 February 2009 at the University Gymnasium. The Convocation Committee chaired by Prof. Tudor Silva, the Dean Faculty of Arts, organize the requirements to hold the Convocation in keeping with the customary glamour of the event. There are 2473 Graduands including 358 postgraduates of 07 Faculties, PGIA and PGIS will graduate at this convocation.

What’s New at the UP Library Network

Ever Green Staff! Library User Education Programme at Mahailluppallama On 15 October 11 staff members of the Library Network received long service awards / Mrs. Ira Mudannayake Branch Librarian, certificates from the University. Agriculture Library briefed the first-year 16 staff members who had retired from services students of Agriculture studying in the sub- in recent past too received the award / campus at Mahailluppallama on the use of the certificate. Library facilities on 20 October during the Congrats to all. welcoming sessions. It was a historic event as it was the first instance the students were given the opportunity to be briefed by the Library Staff! Hope the opportunity to educate the students in library use would continue!

Page 5 Staff Training and Development Assisting University Librarianship at Programme” National Level The last orientation for all para-professional and The Standing Committee on Libraries and support staff on Library Services and Delivery Information Sciences (SCOLIS) under the Standards was conducted on 24 November, University Grants Commission has requested 2008. It was a year of achievement in staff UP Library Network to finalize: training as a total of 12 training sessions (04 - An Inter Library Loan Code (ILL) for Sri Orientation sessions and 08 Workshops) were Lankan University Libraries held throughout the year. - An Annual Statistical Format which could be used to record library statistics. Visit by the Quality Assurance External We thank all stakeholders who have assisted, Review Team cooperated and guided us through 2008 to excel in our services! UP Library Network became the first University Library to complete the Self-Evaluation Report on library operations and to invite an External Review Team to assess the Quality of its operations from 16 to 18 December. Three Librarians and an academic met stakeholders (academics, students and library staff) and visited six Branch Libraries and observed activities etc. The Review Report is expected in mid-January.

Sports

Friendly Matches Inter University Tournaments

Peradeniya University Table Tennis (Women) team † Inter University Chess men & women played a friendly match with Holy Family Convent, championships were organized by the Kurunegala on 04 October 2008 at Kurunegala. The University of Moratuwa and held on 02 University girls won the match. October, 2008 at the University of Moratuwa. University of Peradeniya emerged as the They played other friendly matches with Champion in the men’s category and 01st Maliyadeva Balika Maha Vidyalaya, Kurunegala on runner-up at the women’s category. the same day. They lost to Maliyadeva girls ‘A’ team & won with Maliyadeva girls ‘B’ team. † Inter University Tennis Men & Women Championships were worked off on 03 to 05 Another friendly badminton tournament was held October 2008 at University of Colombo & at the University gymnasium on 28th and 29th University of Moratuwa Tennis courts. Both December, 2008 with Pushpadana Girls’ College teams secured third place. and Welagedara Academy. The Peradeniya girls’ team won both matches. † Inter University Taekwondo men & women Championships were conducted at the Rugby Fest - 7 a side tournament was held on 16 November, 2008 at the University rugger field and University of Sri Jayewardenepura on 11 Highlanders was the champion of the tournament. October, 2008. The Peradeniya men’s team was 02nd runner-up and the Peradeniya women’s team was 03rd at that tournament. Page 6 rd The Championships were worked off from 03 o The Peradeniya University Table Tennis men & th to 05 October 2008 at University of Colombo women teams participated in the 62nd National Table Tennis Championships held at St. Thomas’s College, Mount Lavinia on 09 and 10 † The University men & women hockey teams November, 2008. Two male & two female played extremely well at the recently held Sri students participated in the championships. Lanka University championships. The hockey championship was worked off at the Kelaniya & Colombo University grounds from 11 o The 12th Open kick Boxing Championship was November to 14 November 2008. held on 22nd & 23rd November, 2008 at the Both girls & boys teams, representing University Gymnasium. U.G.W.P. Kumara got University of Peradeniya were talented to the first place while A.S.M. Arshad,S.D.B. obtain the Men & Women Hockey Wijesinghe and H.P.G.S. Sampath obtained Championships for the year 2008. second places. M.H.M. Ifas got the third place.

† The Inter University Football championship was o The Sri Lanka Intermediate Weightlifting held on 03, 04 & 05 October 2008 at the Rajarata Championship was held on 17th November 2008 University, Mihintale. The Peradeniya in Colombo. University lifters took part in the University was the runner-up of the championship and K.S.K. Ariyasiri (56 Kg tournament. weight category) and L. Kumara (77 Kg weight category) were placed 04th while R.M.C. Mapa (94 Kg weight category) was placed 05th at the † Inter University Track & Field Championships tournament. – 2008 were held from 21 November, 2008 to 22 November 2008 at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. 14 State Universities participated in this major event and the University of o The Central Province Open swimming Peradeniya was placed 02nd at the tournament was held on 27th December, 2008 at championships. the University Swimming Pool. University swimming team participated in the tournament and got two first places.

Major Tournaments o The Gampola League ‘A’ division match, University of Peradeniya vs. Silver Star Sports Foreign Tours club was held on 25 October 2008 at the Zahira College ground, Gampola. The University team PESIT International Sports Festival was conducted lost the match (2-1). by the Peoples’ Education Society

Institute of Technology, Bangalore from 22nd th o The Central Province Second Step Wrestling November to 28 November 2008, at PESIT Institute Tournament was held on 10 November, 2008 Bangalore, India. 50 students, male & female, at the University Gymnasium. University participated in the PESIT tour. wrestlers were the 01 runner-up of that tournament.

Page 7 Launching of a BBA Online Programme

Making a turning point in the history of the University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Harischandra Abeyegunawardene of Peradeniya, the CDCE in collaboration with the as the Chief Guest and Mr. N.S. Abeyewardene, Project Department of Management Studies of the Faculty of Arts Director/DEMP as the Guest of Honour. More than 100 launched a Bachelor of Business Administration (online) students have registered for the Academic year 2008/ Programme in December, 2008. The ceremonial 2009. inauguration was held on 3rd January, 2009 with the

Prof. Beth Markham (DEMP Consultant, and Prof. H. Abeygunawardena addressing the gathering at International Team Leader) delivers a lecture on the BBA Inauguration Ceremony presentation on “Benefits of online education” during the Seminar on Basic concepts of Online Education

An Online Education Awareness Programme for the Academic Staff of all faculties of University of Peradeniya was conducted by the CDCE on 31st October,2009. Consultants from the Distance Education Modernization Project (DEMP) were the resource persons for the above Programme. Other Programs offered Registration of BA candidates In addition to these programmes, the CDCE offers Registration for the BA Degree (External) 2008 was following Diploma courses, at present. computerized and as a result registration of students for • Diploma in Management and Development the years of 2007 and 2008 was completed by November • Diploma in Cooperative Development 2009 clearing the backlog in the registration process. This • Diploma in Participatory, Housing and will enable students to sit for the GAQ examination in Community Development the year of registration without having to wait for two Keeping in line with the concept of distance education, years. Furthermore computerization of the examination student support in the form of conducting seminars/ results has enabled the release of results without much tutorials for BA and GAQ students had been an absolute delay. For example the results of the BA examination success and the continuation of the seminar series is conducted in August 2008 were released on 26th of anticipated. The Centre welcomes Faculties interested January 2009 within a period of 4 months. Previously in conducting programmes on ‘online’ or otherwise to this was considered a big problem since it had taken on contact the Director. The CDCE will extend all support or two years for the release of results. required for conducting courses through the CDCE. Visit our web page: www.pdn.ac.lk/cdce ;s